Police in Jamaica are searching for the gunmen involved in a mass shooting outside a nightclub Wednesday night that left at least 10 people injured.
The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. on Jan. 1 outside the Amazura event hall, located at 91-12 144th Place, within the 103rd Precinct, law enforcement sources said.
According to investigators, the venue was hosting a private party at the time of the shooting. The event was reportedly held in honor of a local gang member who was killed in October and whose birthday fell on New Year’s Day.
As around 90 attendees celebrated inside the Amazura event hall, about 15 individuals waited outside to enter the packed Wednesday night gathering.
Law enforcement sources reported that four suspects approached from the east along 144th Place and opened fire indiscriminately at the crowd.
“Four males opened fire over 30 times in the direction of the group standing outside the event space, striking multiple victims. The males fled on foot westbound on 91st street towards 143 Place, where they entered a light-colored sedan with out-of-state plates,” NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera said during an early morning press conference. “Police officers responding to the multiple 911 calls found a total of 10 victims– six females, four males–which were taken to area hospitals. All of the victims are expected to recover.”
Chief Rivera appeared to confirm that the incident was a gang-related attack and that it is “one of the avenues that we’re pursuing.”
Numerous NYPD units converged in the event hall area, establishing a large crime scene that spanned several blocks. All four suspects connected to the shooting are at large, according to Chief Rivera. Police are asking for assistance in looking for the shooters.
“The public has been very instrumental in the recent weeks to help us capture dangerous individuals like these poor men; we ask the public, if you see something, say something. Call our Crime Stoppers tip line,” Chief Rivera said.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The Amazura event hall is located several blocks away from the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road station. Back in April 2024, two men were shot and wounded at the location.
